“Most people were surprised and shocked by Maria, but at the same time most people were happy that she was upfront and very honest and showed a lot of courage to admit to what she had done and had neglected to look at in terms of the list at the end of the year. With that being said, it’s just taking responsibility which she has admitted that she was willing to do and ready to do.”

“I just hope for the best for her in that situation,” Williams added.

Sharapova and Williams’ rivalry has existed for over 10 years, and there’s no doubting the fact that although Williams is the better athlete, it’s Sharapova’s privilege that has kept her the highest paid female athlete. And it’s that same privilege that has kept the drug testing backlash quite tame.